SORORITY NEWS
UPCOMING EVENTS 11 • 04 • 2019
Beta Mu Celebrates 40 Years at Salisbury University By: Joanna Barrett, Epsilon Epsilon In November 2018, the Beta Mu Chapter at Salisbury University in Maryland celebrated the 40th anniversary of their Installation. “I think that it's so important for us to celebrate our anniversaries and to hear firsthand from Gail Shockley Fowler [Past National President], Debi Flaig Meeks [Founding Member, Beta Mu] and Tammy Brummell Bresnahan [colonizing member, Beta Mu] on how the chapter was established,” said Adele Black, alumna and former Assistant Chapter Advisor of the Beta Mu Chapter. “Celebrating chapter anniversaries is extremely important. Not only does it give collegians and alumnae a reason to come together, but it also reminds us of the history and traditions that Alpha Sigma Tau was built on,” said Julia Mann, Chapter President of Beta Mu. The celebratory weekend festivities included a BBQ, a project of collecting 2500 pairs of new and gently used shoes to donate to impoverished countries, a slideshow of photos, the Candlelighting Service, and social gatherings. “I think what made our 40th anniversary weekend so special was that Sisters of all ages were brought together and were able to share stories from both past and present,” Julia noted. “It was so cool comparing composites from the 70's to ours, and hearing about all the different experiences Sisters had throughout various generations.” At the formal banquet, a roll call of all the member classes, from the Founding Members to the chapter’s Fall 2018 new
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November 4th Kicks Off Our 2019 Founders Day of Giving and 120th Year of Sisterhood Founders Day of Giving, one of our most beloved events, will
member class, was read, as well as an excerpt from The Anchor’s 1978 issue, the year Beta Mu was founded. Additionally, the chapter recognized some of their accomplishments of recent years and reflected on the past and present activities of the chapter. “It was powerful to be with Sisters from various generations,” Debi said. “I was just in awe the entire evening, feeling the energy, sisterhood, and love for Alpha Sigma Tau in that room,” Adele gushed. “The event drew to an end and being a part of the Candlelighting Service—seeing the circle grow from the founding Sisters to the newest members, decade by decade—was an awesome experience.”
soon return for its fourth year! Alpha Sigma Tau Sisters, friends, and family are invited to join us, beginning November 4th, for our annual day of giving! Join in the fun and take part in providing the next generation of women with the skills they need to become the leaders of tomorrow. More information about how you can volunteer as a Founders Day of Giving Ambassador and join the Facebook event will be coming soon. In the meantime, stay tuned at alphasigmatau.org/foundation.
Julia also remembered the evening fondly. “After dinner, the founding members honored me and the chapter with a gift of a gavel and flowers. The banquet was my favorite part of the celebration because we all enjoyed an evening of reminiscing and embracing the present.”
Chapters Maximize Philanthropic Giving with CrowdChange Alpha Sigma Tau collegiate chapters now have access to CrowdChange, a technology solution to assist with maximizing philanthropic fundraising efforts. CrowdChange is a digital crowdfunding platform where chapters can create fundraisers, share the opportunity to donate with long-distance supporters, and easily track and thank donors. “The way we give philanthropically has changed dramatically in recent years,” says Jim Paponetti, Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority. “CrowdChange helps our chapters adapt to this trend. With the rise of online crowdfunding platforms and mobile giving, expectations of both fundraising organizers and donors have changed. We want our collegiate chapters to maximize their philanthropic fundraising potential and to make it easy for those who want to support a cause to do so. When chapters use CrowdChange, they’re very likely to achieve both of those goals.” Research from CrowdChange shows that chapters who utilize the tool raise, on average, 236% more than what they raised the previous year for similar or identical events. One key reason for this increase is the ability to provide alumnae and family the opportunity to support the fundraiser from afar. “Alumnae are always seeking ways to support their collegiate chapter’s philanthropic efforts, and family members are looking to support their loved ones. With CrowdChange, it’s much easier,” says Jim. “We’re looking forward to witnessing our collegiate chapters make a larger impact on their local communities through the Women’s Wellness Initiative with the help of alumnae, family, and friends.” To browse active fundraisers, visit ast.crowdchange.co.
UPCOMING MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES Membership Milestones Congratulations to these Sisters who are celebrating milestones in their Alpha Sigma Tau membership in 2019! Initiates of 1944 celebrating 75 years Initiates of 1969 celebrating 50 years Initiates of 1994 celebrating 25 years Initiates of 2009 celebrating 10 years
Chapter Milestones Congratulations to these collegiate chapters that are celebrating a milestone anniversary of establishment in 2019!
75 Years Psi Chapter James Madison University *Celebrating Sept. 20-22, 2019 at JMU May 19, 1944
50 Years Alpha Tau Chapter Edinboro University of Pennsylvania March 2, 1969 Alpha Phi Chapter West Chester University of Pennsylvania March 29, 1969
25 Years Delta Epsilon Chapter Marist College November 12, 1994
Debi believes that celebrating a milestone is not just for Alpha Sigma Tau. She said, “It is for all of us regardless of affiliation,” as she reflected on fraternity and sorority life on campus. “Times have changed, but our values and traditions have not.”
10 Years Epsilon Eta Chapter University of the Incarnate Word April 25, 2009 Epsilon Iota Chapter New York Institute of Technology May 9, 2009
“Alpha Sigma Tau’s legacy at Salisbury University means carrying on all of the traditions our alumnae have created and carried on for us, and also paving our own path and making our mark on campus and in the community,” Julia remarked. “You make an impact on those around you and make connections and memories to last a lifetime.”
Epsilon Kappa Chapter Trine University September 26, 2009
A L P H A S I GM A T A U
SPRING 2019 • THE ANCHOR
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